Halloween Safety Tips From the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department

Jefferson County Sheriff Oliver “Glenn” Boyer is reminding everyone that this time every year, millions of youngsters celebrate Halloween by dressing up in costumes and asking for treats from their neighbors and friends.  With this in mind, Sheriff Boyer advises that there are several safety tips that children and parents should keep in mind to ensure this will be a safe, happy holiday for everyone.  

BEFORE TRICK-OR TREATING:

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk and be seen.

• Be sure that your costume is short enough to avoid tripping.

• It is best to make a costume out of non-flammable material that won’t catch on fire.

• Use reflective tape on your costume so people driving cars at night can see you.

• Carry a flashlight with you at all times.

• If you wear a mask, take it off before crossing a street.

• Plan your trick-or treat route ahead of time, picking streets that are well lit.

• Have a parent, older brother or sister go with you, or go with a group of children.

DURING TRICK-OR TREATING:

• Trick-or-treat in a group and hold onto your treat bag tightly.

• Only trick-or-treat at houses with the porch light on.

• It’s always best to trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood.

• Cross only at corners.  Never cross the street between parked cars or the middle of the block.

• Walk on well lit streets and stay on the sidewalk.

• If there is no sidewalk, stay as far left of the roadway as possible and walk facing traffic.

• Stop only at the houses of people you know.

• NEVER go into the home of a stranger, even if you are invited in for a treat.

• Wait until you get home to sort, check, and eat your treats.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• Throw away any candy or food that is not wrapped and sealed by a candy or food company.

• Always cut open your trick-or- treat fruit before you take your first bite from it.

• Notify your parents and the Police if there are any suspicious treats--Treats meant to harm you!!!

• Parents should examine all candy before allowing their children to eat it.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind anyone who will be out driving to watch for children trick-or-treating as they forget to watch out for you.